Madalyn McLane, account director, Deutsch NY
One of our client’s interns reached out when the summer ended, to help figure out her next career move and options, since she wasn’t sure she wanted to stay brand side. I became her unofficial mentor and we exchanged numerous calls/texts throughout her search and as she debated which offer to accept. We stayed in touch as she took on her first agency gig. About a year later a spot opened up on my team that I knew she’d be perfect for. I offered it to her, and she accepted! She is now my right (and left) hand.
David DeMuth, president and CEO, Doner
I’ve had several mentors, but the most meaningful and profound was as a 20-something starting my advertising career. I learned a ton from him—how to think, how to write, how to present, how to lead and manage clients, even how to dress and show up as an ambitious, engaged young professional. And how not to do some things. (They don’t really teach that stuff in college.) And I am forever grateful.
Laura Small, vp and director of people, RPA
One of my best mentor matches was between an svp of strategy and the woman who was (at the time) one of our community managers. They knew each other slightly prior to their mentoring relationship, and they built an amazing rapport and connection. The mentor was able to push the mentee into defining a key role for herself beyond her day-to-day job, which enabled her to rise up and be perceived differently. She has now left the organization for a consulting position, but they still work together and support one another.